Mandate

The Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission regulates the use of nuclear energy and materials to protect health, safety, security and the environment; to implement Canada’s international commitments on the peaceful use of nuclear energy; and to disseminate objective scientific, technical and regulatory information to the public.

CNSC was established in 2000 under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources. CNSC was created to replace the former Atomic Energy Control Board (AECB), which was founded in 1946. Learn more about Canada's Nuclear History and the AECB.

CNSC's Commission has up to seven appointed permanent members whose decisions are supported by more than 800 employees. These employees review applications for licences according to regulatory requirements, make recommendations to the Commission, and enforce compliance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, regulations, and any licence conditions imposed by the Commission.

Legal provisions

The CNSC was established in 2000 under the Nuclear Safety and Control Act to replace the former Atomic Energy Control Board and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Natural Resources on the Commission's activities under the Act. Neither the Minister nor the Governor in Council has a role in CNSC's decision making or the power of appeal. Its decisions are reviewable only by the Federal Court of Canada.

The CNSC's regulatory framework consists of laws passed by Parliament that govern the regulation of Canada's nuclear industry, and regulations, licences and documents that the CNSC uses to regulate the nuclear industry.

Appointments

CNSC's Commission has up to seven permanent members that are appointed by the Governor in Council based on their qualifications and expertise and can only be removed for cause. Members are appointed on a permanent, part-time basis, meaning they also have individual jobs. Temporary members can also be appointed to the Commission. Commission members commit to the highest standards of ethics and conflict-of-interest guidelines, and carry out their duties impartially.

The President of the Commission is appointed to hold office as a Commission member during good behaviour, and is also designated by the Governor in Council to hold office as President – a full-time rather than part-time position.

Independent Commission

The Commission is an independent administrative tribunal set up at arm's length from government, with no ties to the nuclear industry.

The Commission makes its decisions transparently, guided by clear rules of procedure. Interested parties and members of the public are able to be heard at Public Commission Hearings which are Webcast live and often held in facility host communities to make them as accessible as possible to local residents.

Qualified staff

The Commission is supported by more than 800 scientific, technical and professional staff. These employees review applications for licences according to regulatory requirements, make recommendations to the Commission, and enforce compliance with the Nuclear Safety and Control Act, regulations and any licence conditions imposed by the Commission.

August 1, 2018
Decision on the request from Canadian Nuclear Laboratories to renew the nuclear research and test establishment decommissioning licence for the Whiteshell LaboratoriesRecord of decision

August 1, 2018
Decision on the request from AREVA Resources Canada Inc. to amend the Cluff Lake Project operating licence to reflect the corporate name change from AREVA Resources Canada Inc. to Orano Canada Inc. and to amend the financial guarantee for the Cluff Lake ProjectRecord of decision

July 12, 2018
Decision on the request from AREVA Resources Canada Inc. to amend the McClean Lake operating licence to reflect the corporate name change from AREVA Resources Canada Inc. to Orano Canada Inc.Record of decision